Yashvitoursin: minor edit

2026-03-04T04:16:35Z

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2409:4041:2694:9D5A:0:0:353:C0B0: /* Locomotive shed */

2021-07-09T13:31:06Z

Locomotive shed

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{{short description|Electric locomotive developed by Alstom for the Indian Railways}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox locomotive
| name = WAG-12B<ref name="WAG12 name & delivery">{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofindia.com/city/lucknow/rdso-develops-worlds-most-powerful-loco/amp_articleshow/75481493.cms}}</ref>
| image = File:SRE WAG12B 60094.jpg
| caption = Saharanpur based WAG-12B with freight
| powertype = Electric
| buildmodel = [[Prima (locomotive)|Alstom Prima]]<ref name="WAG12B order">{{cite web|title=Alstom to supply 800 electric locos to Indian Railways|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/alstom-to-supply-800-electric-locos-to-indian-railways.html|publisher=[[Railway Gazette International]]|access-date=2 January 2018}}</ref>
| gauge = {{Track gauge|66in|lk=on}} Broad Gauge
| aarwheels = B-B+B-B
|uicclass = [[Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′]]
| Britishclass = Bo-Bo+Bo-Bo<ref name="prima t8 specs">{{cite web|title=Alstom Prima T8 Heavy Freight Locomotives Specifications|url=http://www.alstom.com/Global/Transport/Resources/Documents/brochure2014/Prima%20Heavy%20freight%20-%20Product%20sheet%20-%20English.pdf?epslanguage=en-GB|publisher=Alstom|access-date=5 January 2018}}</ref>
| designer = [[Alstom]]
| builder = [[Electric Locomotive Factory, Madhepura|ELF Madhepura]]
| operator = [[Indian Railways]]
| fleetnumbers = '''60001+''' onwards<ref name="test date and fleet number" />
| totalproduction = 800 to be produced <br> Currently - 118
| electricsystem = {{25 kV 50 Hz}}
| collectionmethod = [[pantograph (rail)|Pantograph]] [[Overhead line|OHE]]
| nicknames =
| locale = All over India
| builddate = {{start date|2017|10|11|df=y}}<ref name="WAG 12B prod begin">{{cite web|title=Production starts at Indian electric locomotive factory|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/business/single-view/view/production-starts-at-indian-electric-locomotive-factory.html?sword_list[]=WAG&sword_list[]=12&no_cache=1|publisher=Railway Gazette International|access-date=2 January 2018}}</ref> - present
| firstrundate =
| maxspeed = 120 km/h (75 mph)<ref name="WAG12B order" />
| locoweight = WAG-12B : 180 tonnes (177 long tons; 198 short tons)
| poweroutput cont = 9 MW (12,000 hp)
| t/e starting = 785 kN (176,000 lbf)
| wheeldiameter = 1250 mm
| locobrakes = [[regenerative brake|Regenerative]]<ref name="regen brake" />
}}

The Indian locomotive class '''WAG-12B''' is a class of 25 [[Volt|kV]] [[Alternating current|AC]] [[electric locomotive]]s that was developed in 2017 by [[Alstom]] for the [[Indian Railways]]. The model name stands for [[5 ft 6 in gauge railway|broad gauge (W)]], Alternating Current (AC), Goods traffic (G) locomotive , 12th generation (12). They entered trial service in 2019. A total of 800 WAG-12B are to be built at [[Electric Locomotive Factory, Madhepura]], [[Bihar]], [[India]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 May 2020|title=WAG-12: Official Press Releases from Alstom and Indian Railways|url=https://www.railpost.in/wag-12-official-press-releases-from-alstom-and-indian-railways/|access-date=15 June 2020|website=RailPost.in - Indian Railways News & Analysis|language=en-US}}</ref>

With a power output of 12,000 HP, they are twice as powerful as their immediate predecessor, [[WAG 9|WAG-9]], and it is one of the most powerful freight locomotive in the world. The WAG 12 locomotive is being developed for deployment on the [[Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India|Dedicated Freight Corridors]], where it will be used to haul freight trains weighing more than {{convert|6000|tonnes}} at speeds of {{convert|100|km/h|abbr=on}} to {{convert|120|km/h|abbr=on}}, essentially doubling the average speed of freight trains in the sector.

==Development==
[[File:WAG 12 Indian Railways.png|thumb|306x306px|WAG 12 locomotive details]]
The origins of WAG-12B can be traced back to a railway project approval in 2006, but no progress was made in the months that followed.<ref name=" WAG12 2006">{{cite web
|title=Six firms vie for Bihar locomotive project|url=http://www.livemint.com/Industry/J13HPpXSANir0rblFIXeKK/Six-firms-vie-for-Bihar-locomotive-project.html|publisher=Livemint|access-date=2 January 2018
}}</ref> In June 2008, the [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]] invited bids from global firms to design and develop the locomotives. The initial deal was to set up a new electric locomotive factory at [[Madhepura]], [[Bihar]] to build and maintain 660 high-horsepower locomotives in a joint venture where Indian Railways would hold a 26% stake and the bidder 74%. This would have been the first [[foreign direct investment]] in the fully state-owned railway sector of the country.<ref>{{cite web|author1=P. R Sanjai|title=Railways to buy 660 electric engines for €3.5 billion|url=http://www.livemint.com/Companies/IZA2rlxF0e3xhJnqU07dQO/Railways-to-buy-660-electric-engines-for-35-billion.html|publisher=Livemint|access-date=2 January 2018}}</ref> This invitation received bids from [[General Electric]], Alstom, [[Bombardier Transportation|Bombardier]], [[Siemens Mobility|Siemens]], [[China CNR]] and [[CSR Corporation]]. The number of locomotives to be built was also increased from 660 to 800.<ref name=" WAG12 2006" /> The [[Research Design and Standards Organisation]] published a specification in June 2013,<ref>{{Cite web
|url=http://dfccil.gov.in/upload/Specification_9000_KW_RDSO_2006_EL_SPEC_0044_Rev_13_with_TE__curve.pdf
|title=Specification RDSO/2006/EL/SPEC/0044, Rev ‘13’
|date=June 2013
}}</ref> detailing the capability requirements for an eight-axle locomotive intended to be used on [[Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India|Dedicated Freight Corridors]] (DFC). It was not until November 2015, however, that Alstom was finally awarded the contract to build the locomotives.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alstom wins Indian electric locomotive contrac|url=http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/asia/alstom-clinches-indian-electric-locomotive-contract.html|publisher=[[International Railway Journal]]|access-date=2 January 2018}}</ref>

They are three phase, twin-section [[electric locomotive|electric]] freight [[locomotive]] consisting of two identical sections, each of which rests on two twin-axled Bo-Bo bogies. The locomotive is being jointly developed by [[Alstom]] and the [[Indian Railways]], and is the first Indian Railways locomotive that has a power output greater than 10,000 [[horsepower]]. With a power output of 12,000 HP,<ref name="first of 10khp">{{cite web|title=India Gets Its First High Horse Power Locomotive From France|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-gets-its-first-high-horse-power-locomotive-from-france-1753112|access-date=2 January 2018|publisher=NDTV}}</ref> it is twice as powerful as its immediate predecessor, [[WAG 9|WAG-9]], and is one of the most powerful freight locomotives in the world.<ref name="most powerful loco" /><ref name="regen brake">{{cite web|title=Alstom to manufacture 800 high HP electric locomotives in Madhepura|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/alstom-to-manufacture-800-high-hp-electric-locomotives-in-madhepura/articleshow/49739170.cms|access-date=2 January 2018|publisher=Economic Times}}</ref>

The eight-axle design of the locomotive reportedly improves performance and minimises energy consumption and maintenance costs. The locomotive incorporates special features based on the Alstom Prima T8 for operations in humid or dusty environments and extreme temperatures ranging from {{convert|-50|C}} to {{convert|50|C}}. The cabin of the locomotive is comparatively larger and offers better comfort for drivers, especially during long-distance operations. The locomotives can also be equipped with climate control systems such as air conditioners, food preparation and storage facilities, and even a toilet<ref name="prima t8 specs" />—a standard that Indian Railways introduced in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sood|first1=Jyotika|title=After 163 years, Railways to put toilets in train engines|url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/mJQ1KGRQ0jrLGxOITzKhAO/After-163-years-Railways-to-put-toilets-in-train-engines.html|publisher=LiveMint|access-date=5 January 2018}}</ref>

Development of the locomotive began after Indian Railways signed a record deal in November 2015 with Alstom for the development of 800 high-horsepower electric freight locomotives. As per the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) project of Indian Railways, in 2015 the [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]] and Alstom signed a contract worth {{INRConvert|25000|c|year=2015|lk=}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Alstom’s first Prima electric locomotive delivered to Indian Railways begins operation|url=https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2020/5/alstoms-first-prima-electric-locomotive-delivered-indian-railways-begins|access-date=24 May 2020|website=Alstom|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Railways inks pact with GE, Alstom for loco factories|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/railways-signs-contracts-with-ge-alstom/article7933673.ece|access-date=2 January 2018|publisher=The Hindu}}</ref> and created a joint venture for the project. The first locomotive of the class was initially expected to enter service on 28 February 2018.<ref name="feb 28 launch">{{cite web|title=First electric locomotive from Madhepura factory in Bihar to roll out on February 28|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/patna/first-electric-locomotive-from-madhepura-factory-in-bihar-to-roll-out-on-february-28/story-faEqBBYHsUL5ZInctD9qkO.html|access-date=2 January 2018|publisher=Hindustan Times}}</ref> However, the locomotive was launched by [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] in [[Madhepura]], [[Bihar]] on 10 April 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Team|first=BS Web|date=10 April 2018|title=Modi launches India's most powerful electric locomotive in Bihar: 10 facts|work=Business Standard India|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/modi-to-launch-india-s-most-powerful-electric-locomotive-in-bihar-10-facts-118041000209_1.html|access-date=10 April 2018}}</ref>

== Production ==
As development of the engines progressed, Alstom outsourced the task of producing traction transformers for the locomotives to Swedish-Swiss [[multinational corporation]] [[ABB]] in 2016. These all-weather transformers were to be produced in [[Vadodara]], [[Gujarat]].<ref>{{cite web
|title=Prima India locos to have ABB transformers
|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/technology/single-view/view/prima-india-locos-to-have-abb-transformers.html
|publisher=[[Railway Gazette International]]
|access-date=2 January 2018
}}</ref> In 2017, Alstom outsourced the task of developing, testing, and maintaining the brakes of the locomotives to [[Germany|German]] brake manufacturing firm [[Knorr-Bremse]]. These brakes were to be produced at [[Palwal]] in the Indian state of [[Haryana]].<ref>{{cite web
|title=Knorr-Bremse to supply brakes for Alstom’s Indian locomotives
|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/knorr-bremse-to-supply-brakes-for-alstoms-indian-locomotives.html
|publisher=Railway Gazette International
|access-date=2 January 2018
}}</ref> The [[Railway coupling|couplers]] of the locomotive were designed and developed by French Railway company [[Faiveley Transport]]. Around 85-90% of the components will be procured from within India.<ref name="most powerful loco" >{{cite web
|title=Local sourcing to be major focus of Alstom’s Madhepura e-loco factory
|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/local-sourcing-to-be-nahor-focus-of-alstoms-madhepura-eloco-factory/article9967633.ece
|publisher=The Hindu Business Line
|access-date=2 January 2018
}}</ref> The first body shell of the locomotive was delivered to the [[Haldia Port]] in [[West Bengal]] on 20 September 2017. It was then transferred to the Electric Locomotive Factory (Alstom Madhepura) for final assembly,<ref name="WAG12 name & delivery" /> which began on 11 October 2017.<ref name="WAG 12B prod begin" /><ref>{{Cite news
|newspaper=[[The Indian Express|Financial Express]]
|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/photos/business-gallery/897502/indian-railways-electric-locomotive-alstom-make-in-india-madhepura-images-facts/
|title=Indian Railways WAG 12
}}</ref> The first locomotive, numbered 60001, was tested in the Madhepura factory on 27 February 2018, one day before its initial launch date.<ref name="feb 28 launch" /><ref name="test date and fleet number">{{cite web|title=Alstom Prima locomotive for Indian Railways on test|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/alstom-prima-locomotive-for-indian-railways-on-test.html|publisher=Railway Gazette International|access-date=2 March 2018|date=27 February 2018}}</ref>

Deliveries of the locomotives are planned from 2018 through 2028, with the first locomotive slated to enter service in 2018, and a total of five by 2019. This is to be followed by the assembly of 35 new locomotives in 2020, 60 in 2021, and 100 locomotives each year from 2022 until all 800 locomotives are delivered.<ref>{{cite web
|title=Faster, Fitter & French: 7 Things to Know About India’s New High-Power Locomotives
|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/116452/indian-railways-things-to-know-about-indias-new-high-power-locomotives/
|publisher=The Better India|access-date=2 January 2018
}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Delivery schedule<ref name="most powerful loco" />
|-
! 2018 !! 2019 !! 2020 !! 2021 !! 2022 !! 2023 !! 2024 !! 2025 !! 2026 !! 2027 !! 2028 !! Total
|-
| || 10 || 90 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || '''800'''
|}

{{clear}}

==Locomotive shed==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Zone !! Name !! Shed Code !! Quantity
|-
|[[Northern Railway zone|Northern Railway]]|| [[Saharanpur Junction railway station|Saharanpur]] || SRE<ref>http://elocos.railnet.gov.in/Holding/Holding_11_20.pdf</ref> || 118
|-
| colspan="3" |'''Total Locomotives Active as of July 2021''' || 118
|}

==See also==
* [[Rail transport in India]]
* [[Locomotives of India]]
* [[Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.kportal.indianrailways.gov.in/index.php/blog/76-general/144-electric-locomotive-factory-at-madhepura-bihar Electric Locomotive Factory at Madhepura, Bihar]

{{commons category|Indian locomotive class WAG-12}}

{{Broad gauge locomotives of India}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Indian Locomotive Class WAG-12}}
[[Category:Electric locomotives of India]]
[[Category:25 kV AC locomotives]]
[[Category:Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′ locomotives]]
[[Category:5 ft 6 in gauge locomotives]]

Indian locomotive class WAG-12 - Revision history

Yashvitoursin: minor edit

2409:4041:2694:9D5A:0:0:353:C0B0: /* Locomotive shed */